A HVAC breakdown can be a real nuisance – especially during a frost or a heatwave. All HVAC systems eventually fail, but you don’t have to let them break down before you take action. By looking out for certain red flags, you can get your HVAC fixed before it completely dies on you. In certain situations, this could be vital for preventing dangers like leaks or electrical fires. Below are just a few signs that your HVAC may be about to break down.
Alarming noises
While it’s normal for HVAC systems to make some noise, there are certain sounds that you don’t want to hear from your system. Screeching and squealing sounds are often a sign of a bad motor bearing or slipping belt which may need immediate replacing. Banging or clanking could be a sign of broken internal parts. Hissing or whistling could be due to clogged filters or could be due to a refrigerant leak. The most dangerous of all is a deep rumbling from a furnace, which could be a sign of a cracked heat exchanger – something which can lead to carbon monoxide leaks. Hire a HVAC company to take a look if you hear any of these noises.
Bad odors
Certain smells could be a warning sign that your HVAC is on the verge of breaking down. Musty odors are usually not an indicator of an impending breakdown, but your system could be in desperate need of being cleaned out. Burning smells are much more concerning as they could be due to an overheated motor, wiring issue or deteriorating parts – turn your system off and call a pro if you smell burning. A nail polish remover smell could meanwhile be a freon leak, while a rotten egg smell could be a gas leak – again, turn off your system immediately in these cases and call up a pro.
High energy bills
Have your bills started to dramatically rise? Your HVAC could be the culprit. Older systems with worn parts may be working harder to heat or cool your home, and could be using more energy in the process. A HVAC service is worth arranging to check if anything is wrong.
Slow heating/cooling
If your HVAC system is taking notably longer to heat up or cool down your home, this could also be a sign that something major is wrong. Dirty filters or airflow issues could be to blame, but it could also be a more serious issue like a failing blower or compressor. Call up a technician to take a look so that you can confirm what the problem is.
Short cycling
Healthy HVAC systems should never short cycle. This is when a HVAC system turns off before it is able to complete a full heating or cooling cycle. You’ll notice this if your system is constantly clicking on and off while in use. Parts like the compressor or motor could be on the verge of failure and replacing these parts may be necessary to prevent a full breakdown.
